Acute Pyogenic Infections

Question 1

How does an infection spread to the periapical region?

Answer 1

Usually starts off with caries or trauma, results in a necrotic pulp and eventually leads to a periapical infection
Can also get infection via periodontal ligament

Question 2

What is an endogenous infection in a dental abscess?

Answer 2

Infection is derived from our own microflora

Question 3

What is the ideal specimen of a dental abscess?

Answer 3

Aspirated pus taken directly from abscess

Question 4

What are 2 types of bacteria that are present in dental abscesses?

Answer 4

Streptococcus anginosus (gram + cocci)
Prevotella intermedia (gram - bacilli)

Question 5

What are the treatment principles of a periodontal abscess?

Answer 5

Localised infection (no systemic signs)
Establish a diagnosis and document it
Remove source of infection
–incision and drainage, RCT or XLA

Question 6

Name 2 types of bacteria that are present in periodontal abscesses.

Answer 6

Anaerobic streptococci
Prevotella intermedia

Question 7

What are the bacteria present in pericoronitis?

Answer 7

Predominantly mixed oral anaerobes (P. Intermedia)
Streptococcus anginosus group

Question 8

What is osteomyelitis predisposed by?

Answer 8

Bisphosphonate therapy (MRONJ)
Impaired vascularity of the bone (radiotherapy, Paget’s disease)
Foreign bodies (i.e. if implants become infected)
Compound fractures
Impaired host defences

Question 9

Name 4 bacteria that are found in osteomyelitis of the jaw.

Answer 9

Anaerobic gram negative rods
Anaerobic streptococci
Streptococcus anginosus
Staphylococcus aureus